Pre and post shave routine..suggestions??

[DEshaver13]

Just started DE shaving...

Pre: shower and exfoliate face and neck. Leave noxzema on my face and neck while finishing up my shower. I leave the noxzema on and use it as a pre shave conditioner. Then lather and shave...usuall three passes WTG XTG then ATG

Post: warm water rinse. Apply WH then a cold water rinse. Then apply Nivea ASB then an AS of my liking. Right now it's either Old Spice Aqua Velva or Brut.

I'm still getting some razor burn on the neck area. I know it might be my technique or going against the grain. I have to go against the grain if i want to get a BBS. Like many of us, my neck is impossible to shave. Suggestions?? Thanks guys

 

[wstruth]

Had a hard time with my neck to when I started. You might want to try a shaving oil before the first pass and/or no ATG just two XTG's in opposite directions. If the razor burn is bad try just two passes until you get your technique down. It will come in time.

 

[smalltank]

I use DR Harris Arlington pre shave...randon as after.."slow n steady, wins the race said the tortoise to the hare"...took me a month to use my first DE..shaved for 2.5yrs before primarily going to straights

 

[cluelessdude]

Post: lots and lots of really cold water.

Eventually when you get used to DE shaving a more aggressive razor might help with neck area.

 

[smalltank]

Or try a feather blade

 

[jtb]

First, welcome!

Second, you may want to consider cutting back on the exfoliating to maybe 2 times a week. If you think about what shaving does, it's exfoliating already. You might also consider applying the ASB after the splash (if you need to use both).

The neck is a hard area for me.the growth goes in so many directions, I,ve just gotten then hang of it.

 

[jsj_297]

EJ89 with a feather blade works too!!

 

[Predict]

I have the same problem with neck area. Feather blades help but not a whole lot. Slant razor made the biggest difference for me. Slant with feather? I've yet to try it. I expect good results though.

 

[ackvil]

First, welcome to B&B.

Your routine is fine.

In my experience the most likely causes of razor burn are:

• Too much pressure on the blade. Let the weight of the razor do the work for you. I use two fingers and my thumb to hold the razor with another finger resting on the tip of the handle. This results in holding the razor very lightly with no pressure on the razor. You want to hold the razor as lightly as you can without it falling from your hand. This post may help you. Also, take a look at this wiki. It may help you, also.
• Blade angle is not correct. here is a good post that will help you on blade angle. Also, take a look at the wiki.
• Your lather may not be slick enough. Make sure you are using sufficient water and soap or cream. Again, take a look at the wiki for lather info.
• Some shavers - and I am one of them - have found that a light pre-shave oil applied to your neck helps cut down on irritation. I use either my own recipe or T&H pre shave oil. I have a very thick, wiry beard. Plus I have sensitive skin. I have been using pre-shave oil for years. Pre shave oil is designed to give your skin an added layer of protection prior to apply a shaving soap or cream lather. The additional benefits of pre-shave oil are that it moisturizes the skin and protects your skin from razor burn or irritation. Pre-shave oil is one of those things that is an individual thing. Some find it helpful and some don't. For me, it has resulted in a better, closer shave without irritation.
• Some wet shavers have found that cold water shaving works better for them and cuts down on irritation. In that case you would shave before you shower and use cool or cold water when washing your face and splashing your face with water.

One thing I have found that helps out a lot is to apply a moisturizer before retiring at night. It helps in the healing process.

 

[fccexpert]

I would eliminate the pre-shave exfoliation, unless it's just soap and water with a cotton terry cloth washrag. Beyond that and you are basically pre-irritating your face and neck and there is no point since shaving will provide all the exfoliation you need.

Three passes are simply not necessary, one NaturalPass(tm) with a sharp blade will give you as close a shave as you can get and minimize irritation.